Senior Process Development Manager in High Wycombe

As proud bakers and chocolatiers and custodians of iconic global brands, we don’t compromise on the quality of ingredients in our products or on the people we hire. We are looking for entrepreneurial spirits who share our passion for bringing happiness to our consumers and who embody our Winning Traits. To succeed at pladis you need to be purpose-led, resilient and positive because we expect pace and agility, insist on collaboration and demand accountability. If that is your thing, then pladis offers global ambition, a clear Vision and roadmap for success, challenge, and unrivalled opportunities to learn and make an impact.

This is a factory-based role at Harlesden, with regular travel to our High Wycombe R&D Centre and other UK manufacturing locations to support project delivery. Due to this, the role can also be primarily based in High Wycombe if preferred.

• Manage a programme of product and process development initiatives.
• Provide expert technical support for critical operational performance and quality issues, both practical and through leading the technical team.
• Implement manufacturing process and technology innovations in partnership with central technical teams.
• Plan, manage, and report on all factory trials for CBR, NPD, Procurement, and Continuous Improvement.
• Apply Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma tools to drive performance and product quality improvements across site operations.
• Standardise and improve plant methods, technology, and practices to elevate process development standards across pladis.
• Collaborate with NPD Design teams to ensure successful and timely new product launches.
• Ensure compliance with Health & Safety, COSHH, HACCP, and product specification requirements during trials.
• Develop process specifications for all site products and update them for any changes or launches.
• Provide accurate input into product specification development.
• Represent the site to Marketing teams and key retail customers on process development activities.

Essential

• Food engineering/science or process Engineering qualification particularly desirable.
• Accredited to minimum Green Belt level in Six Sigma/Lean Sigma.
• Strong 'hands-on' Technical knowledge of bakery manufacturing processes including process constraints is needed, as is a current validated understanding of ingredients and recipe development.
• Experience of manufacturing systems and practices in a blue-chip FMCG environment.
• Experience in a Technical role in another blue-chip Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) company is desirable.
• Demonstrated success in the management and development of Technical teams within a food manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated success in implementation of Continuous Improvement and change projects within a food manufacturing environment.

pladis does also use both Psychometric and Aptitude tests to support our processes so you may be asked to complete these as part of your process. Some processes may differ, but we will keep you updated!

Benefits

• Annual Car allowance, paid monthly, with optional Car Salary Sacrifice Scheme.
• Annual Incentive Plan (AIP) – this is the business's annual bonus scheme.
• Opportunity to self-enrol into Health Cash Plan.
• Private medical Insurance.
• Enhanced parental leave and a supportive phased return-to-work program to help colleagues balance family and career.
• Stakeholder Pension Scheme.
• Life Assurance Cover ~ upon enrolment to Stakeholder Pension Scheme.
• 25 days + bank holidays.
• Holiday Enhancement Scheme.
• 1 Volunteering Day per year.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Discounted gym membership – Carlisle and Chiswick only.
• Discount and Cashback Scheme – make your everyday spending work hard for you on major high street brands, supermarkets and services.
• Access to Employee Assistance Programme.
• Financial Wellbeing Support.
• Access to great training and development opportunities.

pladis is an equal opportunities employer, committed to hiring a diverse workforce. All openings will be filled based on qualifications without regard to race, colour, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, veteran status, disability, age, religion or any other classification protected by law.

Our Harlesden site has step-free access, accessible entrances and lifts between floors to support individuals with mobility needs. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, and where possible to perform key job functions.